Books: As a Friend

Occasionally it is as interesting to know and perhaps understand the reviewer as much as the book reviewed. Perhaps that is true of Forrest Gander's book, "As a Friend " and Jeanette Winterson's review of this poet's first novel. Winterson's own first novel Written On The Body has a somewhat similar theme--lost love.

And Winterson knows how to wrap a book in colourful language. Even her provocative titles excite the senses: Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit & Sexing The Cherry.

But regardless of personalities, passions and prejudices, my own and others, this book sounds like a must read. I place it on that list because the power of the written word is my first choice for a good read, and honesty in prose stands side by side with power of intention.


Photograph: Nina Sabun ©